TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22376, 13 April 1938, Page 8

TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL

DEFINITE PROPOSAL FOR RELIEF

CLAIM FOR ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION

Not only do the educational authorities admit the necessity for enlargement of facilities at the Ashburton Technical High School, but they have also in view definite proposals to relieve the position, according to advice received by the School Board of Managers from Mr H. E. Herring, M.P.. at its meeting last evening. Mr Herring added that he appreciated the restraint shown by the board in the presentation of its very ]ust and legitimate claim for extra accommodation. The facts were indisputable and were fully recognised. “Let the board exercise further patience and the nature of these suggestions will be disclosed” concluded Mr Herring’s letter. It was decided to ask Mr Herring to advise the probable date of the visit of the Minister for Education (the Hon. P. Fraser)' so that arrangements could be made for him to meet the board. Writing for the Director of Education, Mr W. S. La Trobe said that the board’s application for additional classrooms was being considered along with other urgent work. Particulars were received of the embroidery shield recently presented to the school by Clark and Company, Scotland. It was intended that the trophv be competed for annually or awarded to the pupil showing most progress in the work during the year. The balance-sheet for the year ending December 31. 1937, showed that the income was £7855, and the expenses were £7741, leaving a credit of £ll4. The school’s sports fund also showed a credit of £sl 9s Bd.

The report of the principal (Mr W. Crawford) said the attendance had been well maintained. The numbers attending evening classes were on a par with those of last year. There appeared to be every prospect of establishing a class in trade drawing which would cater for those desiring to sit the technological examination in carpentry, joinery, and building construction.

The school would close on May 6 for the term holidays and would reopen on May 23.

Education Amendment Bill

The chairman and Mr Crawford, who represented the board at the-con-ference of the Technical Education Association to discuss the Education Amendment Bill, reported that the conference expressed its disapproval of any change in the present system whereby technical school boards had direct communication with the department. In the case of the proposed South Canterbury Board, which would include Ashburton, there would be apparently 10 members, one representing and elected by primary teachers and one post-primary teachers. Two members would be elected by primary school councils for the inner subdivision of the district and two for the outer division on the basis of one member for every 3000 primary pupils. One member would be elected by post-primary school councils in the inner area. It would appear that technical interests would be definitely in the minority on the new board. Mr Kerr said he thought that school boards at Ashburton should take up the proposal that Ashburton should be joined with the South Canterbury Board. Ashburton’s interests were more with Christchurch than with South Canterbury. The chairman stated that if Ashburton was taken fiom the proposed South Canterbury Board only a small area would be left.

Those present were Messrs H. Watts (chairman), W. S. Kerr, S, Mitchell, A. Brown, E. Buchanan, J. H. Harper, J. Cook, and Mrs Harriet M. Tinker.

PERSONAL NOTES

ASHBURTON

Miss F. Hardy, who recently retired form the position of registrar of the Ashburton Technical High School, because of her . pproaching marriage, was entertained to supper by members of the school’s Board of Managers last evening and presented with a chiming clock by Mrs H. M. Tinker from members of the board.

The Rev. J. K. Archer, of Christchurch, will conduct the services at the Ashburton Baptist Church on Sunday. Pastor Murray Savage will leave Ashburton to.day to attend the annual conference of the Church of Christ of New Zealand, which will be he'd at Nelson over Easter.

The Rev. L. P. Bryan will leave Ashburton to-morrow for Mataura, where he will *be the speaker at the evening meetings at the annual convention of the Otago Christian Endeavour Union.

Messrs R. Kennedy, C. G. de C. Drury, L. A. Charles, V. W. Russell, and G. C. Nicoll, of Ashburton, will attend the law conference at Christchurch,

In response to a request by the Ashburton Borough Council, the secretary of the Lyttelton Harbour Board (Mr C. H. Clibborn) will give an address at Ashburton this evening on the growth and development of the port. Mr Clibborn will show slides and moving pictures. The congregation, choir, and senior Bible Classes ol the Ashburton South Presbyterian Church met at a social given at Tinwald recently on the eve of the marriage of Miss Thelma Stalker. The Rev. D. D. MacLachlan made presentations to Miss Stalker. Items were given by Misses Margaret Ross and R. Doak, and by Mrs Rofley.

RUGBY REFEREES

ASHBURTON ASSOCIATION M*EETS

A decision to carry out a personal canvass for new members was made at the annual meeting of the Ashburton Rugby Referees’ Association on Monday evening. - The election -of officers resulted: — President, Mr D. Wood; vice-president, Mr D. Harrison; secretary. Mr M. Betts; treasurer, Mr G. V. Furby; referees’ appointments board, Messrs D. Wood and S. Alexander.

CROQUET AT METHVEN The Allenton croquet team played a match against Methven. The match was won by methven by 5 games to 2, two being unfinished. • _ Members said farewell on Saturday afternoon to Mrs Burt, who will leave to reside In Christchurch. For members, the president (Mrs Guthrie) presented. Mrs Burt with- a picture. *’v ‘ '